How often have we felt confused or overwhelmed by the "big feelings" either expressed by our children or that are stirred up inside us as parents? Come discuss and reflect upon the reasons behind the feelings, learn positive strategies for offering support and validation, and gain new insights into cultivating stronger emotional connections between your whole family.

Don't forget your journal/notebook and pen for writing and reflecting..

Sibling relationships are often the most enduring and powerful of all human relationships. They last a life-time! Parents can help enrich their children's lives by encouraging positive sibling relationships.

Join in a lively exchange of 'what helps' and 'what doesn't' as you strive to encourage these important relationships in your home. Parents will appreciate insights and strategies shared from the well-known book Siblings Without Rivalry by Mazlish and Faber. Whether your children are teenagers, elementary or preschool age or if you're anticipating baby #2, there will be real help and encouragement for you at this week's forum!

“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift. That is why it is called The Present” - Oogway the turtle from the movie Kung Fu Panda

How often in our busy lives do we let what happened in the past or what's going to happen in the future, get in the way of enjoying the “gift” of being present with our children in the moment? Please join me as we discuss and reflect upon the barriers we face staying present with our children, learn some tools and tips for cultivating this awareness, and deepen our connections--both with our children and with ourselves. Please bring a notebook/journal and pen for writing and reflecting...looking forward to seeing you Thursday!

Per your request at our premier night, we are featuring a discussion this week on Mary Sheedy Kurcinka's book "Raising Your Spirited Child". Please join us this Thursday evening, May 6, as facilitators Cathy Bailey and Sandi Hill will give parents an opportunity to share their own challenges with the spirited children in their lives. This discussion will provide insight into spirited children, teach parents how to re-frame negative labels often given to spirited children and learn to celebrate each child's individuality and temperament. The evening will provide support for parents who have faced the challenges of living with spirited children and offer tools to handle every day situations that yield a more positive outcome.